Control Diet Research Articles

The effect of Vachellia eriolaba leaf meal inclusion on growth performance, blood parameters and methane gas emission in lambs fed diets containing ammoniated maize stover

The study evaluated the effect of Vachellia erioloba leaf meal in diets containing ammoniated maize stove on growth performance, methane emission and heath of growing lambs. Thirty-two female lambs were allocated to the following four dietary treatments: total mixed ration (TMR, control), 20% inclusion of untreated maize stover (UMS), 20% inclusion of ammoniated maize stover (AMS), and combined inclusion of 10% ammoniated maize stover and 10% Vachellia erioloba leaves (AMSVL). Each treatment was replicated 8 times and a lamb in an individual pen was regarded as an experimental unit in a completely randomized design. Feed intake was higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed the AMS and AMSVL diets compared to those fed UMS. Final body weights were higher in lambs fed the AMS and AMSVL diets. Both average daily gain (ADG) and feed convention ratio (FCR) were not affected by diet. In comparison with the AMS and AMSVL diets, the lambs fed the UMS diet had the highest (P < 0.05) methane emission. Overall, lambs fed the control diets had the lowest (P < 0.05) methane gas emission. Blood hematological values were affected by diet with the AMSVL fed lambs having the highest (P < 0.05) mean platelet volume (MPV) and procalcitonin (PCT) values. Furthermore, total albumin, amylase and total bilirubin were the highest (P < 0.05) in lambs fed on the AMSVL diet. Lambs fed on AMS diet had the highest (P < 0.05) serum urea levels. It can be concluded that combined inclusion of ammoniated maize stover and Vachellia leaves improved feed value and lamb performance when compared to the individual inclusion of both UMS and AMS.

Effects of Dietary Agavin on the Gut Microbiota of the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Reared at High Densities.

High-density stress can lead to dysbiotic microbiota, affecting the organism's metabolic, and protective functions. Agavin is a fructan with prebiotic properties that regulate the gut microbiota by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. This study evaluated the effect of agavin on the gut microbiota using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and its correlation with the growth parameters. Four groups of fish were fed different diets: a control diet (negative and positive control), without agavin supplementation, and two experimental diets supplemented with agavin at 20gkg-1 and 40gkg-1. Nile tilapias (1.04g ± 0.01g) were fed for 110days. After 90days of feeding, fish were subjected to high-density stress (63kgm-3) for 20days, except for the negative control. NGS detected 1579 different operational taxonomic units in the samples. In the correlation analysis of growth parameters, the families Vibrionaceae and Methyloligillaceae showed a positive correlation with fish growth parameters, these results may serve to know the relation of agavin and microbiota on the growth performance, as well as the metabolic activities of families in tilapia. Furthermore, high-density stress and agavin supplementation modify the gut microbiota in tilapia. At a low-density, supplementation with 20gkg-1 agavin promoted the growth of the potentially beneficial families Sphingomonadaceae, Oxalobacteriaceae, and Chitinophagaceae; at high densities, reduced the abundance of pathogenic families (Vibrionaceae and Aeromonadaceae). These results suggest that, under stress conditions, agavin can stimulate the growth of potentially beneficial bacteria and reduce the growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria, suggesting its potential use as a prebiotic in aquaculture.

Performance, Meat Quality and Gene Expression of Grazing Lambs Supplemented with Macadamia Oil and Vitamin E

Macadamia oil has high concentrations of oleic and palmitoleic fatty acids, which can increase tissue sensitivity to insulin, improving glucose absorption efficiency, and reducing lipogenesis through gene modulation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of macadamia oil associated with vitamin E supplementation on performance, blood parameters, meat quality and sensory characteristics, meat fatty acid profile, and expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism in grazing lambs. The experimental treatments were control diet (Control), Control + 0.1% of body weight of macadamia oil (MO), MO + 745 IU of vitamin E/dry matter (MOVE). Macadamia oil improved feed efficiency, reflecting a lower dry matter intake, as the average daily weight gain did not differ from Control. Meat quality parameters were not affected by macadamia oil or vitamin E supplementation. Supplementation with macadamia oil improved meat appearance, flavor, and overall liking. Supplementation with macadamia oil provided a higher proportion of C18:3 n3 and a lower proportion of CLA. The expression of SREBP-1c, PPAR-α, SCD1, and ELOVL6 genes were not modified with the supplementation of macadamia oil and vitamin E. In conclusion, supplementation with macadamia oil improves feed efficiency and meat quality; and the inclusion of 745 IU of vitamin E/kg of dry matter for grazing lambs reduces 36% of lipid oxidation of the meat.

Effects of substitution of crude palm oil with palm-pressed fibre oil on the laying hen's performance, egg production and egg quality traits.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of substituting a crude palm oil (CPO) diet with palm-pressed fibre oil (PPFO) on laying hens' performance, egg production, carcass characteristic and egg quality. A total of 150 Hisex Brown laying hens were randomly assigned to five treatments: a basal diet containing 4% CPO (T1-control) and basal diets in which CPO was substituted by 25% (T2), 50% (T3), 75% (T4) or 100% (T5) PPFO. These diets were fed to laying hens ad libitum for 16 weeks. Compared to the T1 diet, dietary treatments T2, T3 and T4 had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, egg number, egg production, egg weight and egg mass of the laying hens during the entire experimental period. Nonetheless, a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in feed intake, egg number, egg production and egg mass were observed in hens fed T5 compared to those fed the T1 (control) diet. Except for heart and spleen weights, other carcass characteristics were not affected by treatment (P < 0.05). Skin yellowness and breast meat redness increased significantly (linearly, P < 0.05) with increasing proportions of PPFO. Likewise, yolk colour scores increased in proportion to the dietary level of PPFO (linearly, P < 0.05). These findings suggest that PPFO can be used as a novel, cost-effective lipid source at a level of 3% in layer diets as a substitute for CPO to improve eggs' quality parameters without any harmful effects on laying performance.

A-079 Investigation of gut microbial flavonoid catabolites in metabolic diseases

Abstract Background Flavonoids, a secondary metabolite found in plant-based diets, have gained attention in the last decade for their antioxidative properties in high-fat diet induced obesity animal models and human studies. Previous work showed that certain gut microbiota members can metabolize flavonoids into monophenolic acids (MPAs), and some of these MPAs have similar effects to insulin when administered orally. Our objective is to explore the microbiome connection between flavonoid-rich diets and improved metabolic parameters in obesity. We hypothesize that flavonoid-supplemented diets are most effective in the presence of gut microbiota capable of MPA formation and that these bacterial metabolites are the main bioactive compounds responsible for the improved metabolic parameters Methods To investigate our hypothesis, we fed male and female C57BL/6 mice a high-fat control diet (HFD) or the same diet supplemented with 1% MPA or 1% berry extract for 12 weeks. Each group was further divided into subgroups that received regular drinking water (RW) or antibiotic water (ABW) to suppress gut microbial communities. A range of metabolic parameters, such as body weight, lean and fat mass, glucose and insulin tolerance, histological assessment of liver cells, quantification of liver injury biomarkers, transcriptional changes in metabolically active tissues, and glucose and lipid metabolism pathways, were monitored. Additionally, 16s sequencing was performed on the cecal microbial composition of each group. Results Mice on HFD control with RW or ABW showed prominent hepatic steatosis and an increase in liver lipids accumulation demonstrated by a significant decrease in the activation of lipid metabolism pathways. Similarly, mice on HFD with 1% MPA and RW or ABW exhibited a significant reduction in hepatic steatosis and an increase in the activation of the lipid metabolism pathways, regardless of gut microbiota presence. In line with our hypothesis, mice on HFD with 1% berry extract and RW showed a similar reduction in hepatic steatosis to both 1% MPA groups. However, mice on HFD with 1% berry extract and ABW displayed noticeable hepatic steatosis, indicating the loss of the positive effect provided by berry extract metabolites once gut microbiota was depleted by antibiotics. Insulin tolerance test revealed a gut microbial effect as well in the HFD with 1% berry extract, illustrated by a significant reduction in glucose levels after insulin injection and an increase in insulin sensitivity. In contrast, the HFD control mice experienced an increase in glucose levels after insulin injection and insulin resistance. Although there were notable decreases in fasting blood glucose, there were no significant effects on fat and lean mass, insulin, glucagon, or liver injury marker levels. Finally, the mice on HFD with 1% berry extract had significantly more diverse cecal microbial communities than those fed HFD or HFD with 1% MPA. Conclusions Feeding mice a flavonoid-rich diet in the presence of intact gut microbiome can improve metabolic parameters associated with metabolic diseases, potentially preventing, or reversing these diseases. Our findings suggest promising avenues for treatment, such as dietary flavonoid supplementation with concurrent gut microbial probiotic therapy.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the nutritional value of various hydrolyzed feather meals and comparison of their effect on performance and carcass characteristics of broilers

In the current study, the nutritional value of various hydrolyzed feather meals (HFM) was investigated in two separate experiments (an in vitro and an in vivo experiment). The in vitro experiment was based on a completely randomized design with five replications and seven treatments including (1) Raw feather meal (RFM), (2) HFM by autoclave (Au-HFM), (3) Fermented feather meal (FFM) by Bacillus licheniformis (Bl-FFM), (4) FFM by Bacillus subtilis (Bs-FFM), (5) FFM by Aspergillus niger (An-FFM), (6) FFM by Bacillus licheniformis + Bacillus subtilis + Aspergillus niger (Co-FFM), and (7) HFM by an enzyme (En-HFM). The highest in vitro pepsin-pancreatin and apparent ileal CP digestibility were observed in Co-FFM, and the lowest amount belonged to RFM (P < 0.05). For the in-vivo experiment, 480 1-d-old male Ross 308 broilers were distributed in the experimental units in a completely randomized design with 8 treatments and 5 replicates (12 chicks/replicate). The treatments were: (1) Control diet (without feather meal (FM)), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8), diets containing 4 % RFM, Au-HFM, Bl-FFM, Bs-FFM, An-FFM, Co-FFM, and En-HFM, respectively. For the in-vivo study, the birds fed control and Co-FFM diets had the highest feed intake, body weight gain, and the lowest feed conversion ratio compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05). The broilers fed the control and FFMs diets had the lowest relative weight of abdominal fat and liver compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Therefore, our findings advise the poultry feed industry to look for Co-FFM as an effective alternative and cheaper feed ingredient to replace part of soybean meal in poultry diet.

Increasing plant protein in the diet induces changes in the plasma metabolome that may be beneficial for metabolic health. A randomized crossover study in males

Background & aimDietary shifts replacing animal protein (AP) with plant protein (PP) sources have been associated with lowering cardiometabolic risk (CMR), but underlying mechanisms are poorly characterized. This nutritional intervention aims to characterize the metabolic changes induced by diets containing different proportions of AP and PP sources in males at CMR. DesignThis study is a 4-week, crossover, randomized, controlled-feeding trial in which 19 males with CMR followed two diets providing either 36% for the control diet (CON-D) or 64% for the flexitarian diet (FLEX-D) of total protein intake from PP sources. Plasma nontargeted metabolomes (LC-MS method) were measured in the fasted state and after a high-fat challenge meal at the end of each intervention arm. Lipogenesis and protein synthesis fluxes, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and gluco-lipidic responses were assessed after the challenge meal. Data were analyzed with mixed models, and univariate and multivariate models for metabolomics data. ResultsIn both arms CMR improved with time, with decreased body weight (-0.9%), insulin resistant (-34%, HOMA-IR, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL)-cholesterol (-11%). Diet had no effect on FMD or metabolic fluxes, but a trend was observed for a stronger decrease in HOMA-IR and lower postprandial glucose after FLEX-D vs CON-D. The abundance of 21 and 37 metabolites differed between diets at fasted and fed states, respectively, including food intake biomarkers of AP (methylhistidine, eicosapentaenoic acid, hydroxyprolines) and PP sources (trigonelline, N-acetyl-ornithine). In fasted or fed states, indole acrylic acid and indole propionic acid, both products of tryptophan catabolism, were higher after FLEX-D vs CON-D, while the indispensable amino acids-related metabolites alpha-aminoadipic acid, hydroxymethylbutyric acids and propionylcarnitine were lower. In the postprandial state only, the ω-oxidation products dodecanedioic, tetradecanedioic and hexadecanedioic acids were higher after FLEX-D vs CON-D. ConclusionsDespite little changes in risk factors after 4 wk, this study evidenced subtle metabolic adaptations in amino acids and lipid metabolism and gut microbiota activity occurring after higher PP source intake that may be beneficial to CMR. ClinicalTrials.gov study identifierNCT04236518 Clinical Trial RegistryNCT04236518 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Effects of caloric restriction with different doses of exercise on fat loss in people living with type 2 diabetes: A secondary analysis of the DOSE-EX randomized clinical trial

BackgroundFat loss mainly conveys the benefits of caloric restriction for people living with type 2 diabetes. The literature is equivocal regarding whether exercise facilitates fat loss during caloric restriction. This analysis aimed to assess the dose–response effects of exercise in combination with a caloric restriction on fat mass (FM) and FM percentage (FM%) in persons with diagnosed type 2 diabetes. MethodsIn this secondary analysis of a 4-armed randomized trial, 82 persons living with type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated to the control group (CON) (n = 21), diet control (DCON) (25% caloric restriction; n = 20), diet control and exercise 3 times per week (MED) (n = 20), or diet control and exercise 6 times per week (HED) (n = 21) for 16 weeks. The primary analysis was the change in FM% points. Secondary analyses included fat-free mass and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume (cm3). ResultsFM% decreased compared to CON by a mean difference of –3.5% (95% confidence interval (95%CI): –5.6% to –1.4%), –6.3% (95%CI: –8.4% to –4.1%), and –8.0% (95%CI: –10.2% to –5.8%) for DCON, MED, and HED, respectively. Compared to DCON, MED and HED decreased FM% by –2.8% (95%CI: –4.9% to –0.7%) and –4.5% (95%CI: –6.6% to –2.4%), respectively. The difference in FM% between HED and MED was –1.8% (95%CI: –3.9% to 0.4%). DCON and MED decreased fat-free mass compared to CON, whereas HED preserved fat-free mass (–0.2% (95%CI: –2.0% to 1.7%)). Compared to CON, VAT volume decreased by –666.0 cm3 (95%CI: –912.8 cm3 to –385.1 cm3), –1264.0 (95%CI: –1679.6 cm3 to –655.9 cm3), and –1786.4 cm3 (95%CI: –2264.6 cm3 to –1321.2 cm3) more for DCON, MED, and HED, respectively. HED decreased VAT volume more than DCON (–1120.4 cm3 (95%CI: –1746.6 cm3 to –639.4 cm3)) while the remaining comparisons did not reveal any differences. ConclusionAll interventions were superior in reducing FM% compared to standard care. Adding exercise to a caloric restriction was superior in reducing FM% compared to a caloric restriction alone.

Environmental impacts of the filamentous fungi Paecilomyces variotii (PEKILO®) as a novel protein source in feeds for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

The present study investigated environmental impacts associated with greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, economic Fish in Fish out ratio (eFIFO), waste outputs, and food-feed competition of feeding diets containing the filamentous fungus Paecilomyces variotii (PEKILO®) to Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) pre-smolts. To achieve this, a feeding trial was conducted using four experimental diets. The control diet was based on fishmeal, soy protein concentrate, and wheat gluten meal. Diets 1, 2, and 3 were formulated so that P. variotii replaced 5, 10, and 20 % of the crude protein (CP) content of the control diet originating mainly from fishmeal, soy protein concentrate, and wheat gluten meal. Dietary inclusion of P. variotii affected simulated environmental indices such as GHG emission (P < 0.001); this index was P. variotii-dose-dependent, as illustrated by negative linear models (P < 0.001, adjusted R-squared = 0.96). Dietary inclusion of P. variotii was negatively correlated with eFIFO (P < 0.001, adjusted R-squared = 0.82). Dietary inclusion of P. variotii reduced food-competition feedstuff (FCF) in the diets (P < 0.001), as well as the amount of FCF to produce one kg of Atlantic salmon (P < 0.001). Relative to the control diet, solid nitrogen waste output, expressed as g kg−1 fish produced, was increased (P < 0.0001) in fish fed Diet 3. Conversely, linear decreases in solid phosphorous, magnesium and potassium (P < 0.0001) wastes expressed as g kg−1 fish produced were associated with increasing dietary inclusion of P. variotii. Likewise, linear decreases in dissolved nitrogen, magnesium, and potassium (P < 0.0001) wastes were observed with increasing replacement of the CP content of the control diet with P. variotii. Based on this assessment, P. variotii is a relevant alternative protein source with a low environmental footprint for use in Atlantic salmon feeds. Future novel feeds for Atlantic salmon should expand the use of alternative protein- and lipid-rich materials with a low ecological footprint that are produced according to a circular bioeconomy principle and utilize non-food-competing feedstuff (NFCF) such as P. variotii to move the industry toward sustainability.

Developing and testing personalised nutrition feedback for more sustainable healthy diets: the MyPlanetDiet randomised controlled trial protocol.

Agriculture and food production contribute to climate change. There is mounting pressure to transition to diets with less environmental impact while maintaining nutritional adequacy. MyPlanetDiet aimed to reduce diet-related greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) in a safe, nutritionally adequate, and acceptable manner. This paper describes the trial protocol, development, and testing of personalised nutrition feedback in the MyPlanetDiet randomised controlled trial (RCT). MyPlanetDiet was a 12-week RCT that provided standardised personalised nutrition feedback to participants based on new sustainable healthy eating guidelines (intervention) or existing healthy eating guidelines (control) using decision trees and corresponding feedback messages. To test the personalised nutrition feedback, we modelled a sample of 20 of the MyPlanetDiet participants baseline diets. Diets were modelled to adhere to control and intervention decision trees and feedback messages. Modelled nutrient intakes and environmental metrics were compared using repeated measure one-way analysis of covariance. Intervention diets had significantly lower (p < 0.001) diet-related GHGE per 2500 kilocalories (kcal) (4.7kg CO2-eq) relative to control (6.6kg CO2-eq) and baseline (7.1kg CO2-eq). Modelled control and intervention diets had higher mean daily intakes of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fibre, and protein) and micronutrients (calcium, iron, zinc, and iodine). Modelled control and intervention diets had lower percent energy from fat and saturated fat relative to baseline. Adherence to the MyPlanetDiet personalised nutrition feedback would be expected to lead to better nutrient intakes and reduced diet-related GHGE. The MyPlanetDiet RCT will test the effectiveness and safety of personalised feedback for a more sustainable diet. Clinical trials registration number: NCT05253547, 23 February 2022.

Obesity Promotes Marrow-Derived Myeloid Cell Accumulation while Exercise Reduces Proliferative Signaling in Colon Cancer.

Obesity increases colon cancer risk that has been previously linked to marrow-derived myeloid cells. We previously demonstrated that exercise training (EX) prevents colon cancer initiation, potentially through reduced myelopoiesis. However, it remains unknown whether early myeloid cell accumulation and inflammation in the colon precedes carcinogenesis with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, and if EX can attenuate these effects. We hypothesized that obesity would promote colon carcinogenesis that was preceded by myeloid cell accumulation and inflammation that would be attenuated by EX. C57BL/6 mice were randomized to a HFD or control (CON) diet for 8 weeks. The HFD mice switched to CON diet and all mice were given intraperitoneal injections of azoxymethane (AOM) to induce colon cancer and randomized into EX or sedentary (SED) conditions. HFD mice developed more aberrant crypt foci (ACF), a marker for early carcinogenesis, compared to CON (p < 0.01), and EX developed fewer ACF compared to SED (p < 0.0001). Marrow-derived (p < 0.001) CD206+ macrophages were elevated in HFD compared to CON at study week 16 (p < 0.01). Marrow-derived CD206- macrophages (p < 0.05) and marrow-derived (p < 0.05) CD206+ macrophages were more abundant in HFD compared to CON at study week 42. EX did not alter colon immune cell populations. β-Catenin protein was higher in HFD compared to CON at study week 42 (p < 0.05), and STAT3 protein content was lower at study week 28 with EX compared to SED (p < 0.05). The results suggest that obesity promotes colon ACF formation, potentially through early inflammatory myeloid cell accumulation. Despite attenuating ACF, EX did not alter myeloid cell accumulation in the colon, suggesting that EX inhibits ACF formation through alternative mechanisms which may include reduced β-Catenin and STAT3 signaling.

Luteolin alleviates muscle atrophy, mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal FNDC5 expression in high fat diet-induced obese rats and palmitic acid-treated C2C12 myotubes

Obesity is associated with a series of skeletal muscle impairments and dysfunctions, which are characterized by metabolic disturbances and muscle atrophy. Luteolin is a phenolic phytochemical with broad pharmacological activities. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Luteolin on muscle function and explore the potential mechanisms in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats and palmitic acid (PA)-treated C2C12 myotubes. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were fed with a control diet or HFD and orally administrated 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (vehicle) or Luteolin (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively) for 12 weeks. The results showed that Luteolin ameliorated HFD-induced body weight gain, glucose intolerance and hyperlipidemia. Luteolin also alleviated muscle atrophy, decreased ectopic lipid deposition and prompted muscle-fiber-type conversion in the skeletal muscle. Meanwhile, we observed an evident improvement in mitochondrial quality control and respiratory capacity, accompanied by reduced oxidative stress. Mechanistic studies indicated that AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway plays a key role in the protective effects of Luteolin on skeletal muscle in the obese states, which was further verified by using specific inhibitors of AMPK and SIRT1. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of markers in brown adipocyte formation were significantly up-regulated post Luteolin supplementation in different adipose depots. Taken together, these results revealed that Luteolin supplementation might be a promising strategy to prevent obesity-induced loss of mass and biological dysfunctions of skeletal muscle.

Enteropancreatic hormone changes in caloric-restricted diet interventions associate with post-intervention weight maintenance

Background & AimsTo explore enteropancreatic hormone changes during isocaloric-restricted dietary interventions and their impact on post-intervention weight maintenance. Methods253 individuals with overweight / obesity and prediabetes were randomly assigned to 25% isocaloric-restricted diets: Control diet, Traditional Jiangnan diet or Mediterranean diet. Serum hormones and clinical indices were evaluated at 0, 3 and 6 months. Body weight values were collected again 6 months after completing interventions. ResultsWe observed decreased fasting and post-glucose load levels of glucagon, amylin, peptide YY, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) while increased ghrelin at three months after 25% caloric restriction (CR) of three dietary interventions, and most of these changes sustained to six month-treatment. Interestingly, changes in appetite-inhibitory hormones glucagon, amylin and GLP-1 showed positive associations with body weight change while appetite-promoting hormone ghrelin showed inverse association during intervention. Furthermore, subjects with more reduction in amylin and GLP-1, or more increase in ghrelin during intervention showed greater increase in body weight after completing intervention. ConclusionsCR intervention results in consistent hormone signatures regardless of dietary patterns. More changes in amylin, GLP-1 or ghrelin levels during CR is associated with poor weight maintenance after intervention, supporting that CR-induced hormone changes as biomarkers for predicting weight maintenance after intervention. Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT03856762

Effects of different rapeseed varieties on egg production performance, egg quality, hormone levels, follicle development, and thyroid function in hens

This study was to evaluate the effects of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) from China with different content of glucosinolate (Gls) and erucic acid (EA) on laying hens. A total of 600 laying hens at 33 wk of age were randomly divided into 5 treatments containing a control diet and 4 diets with 11.5% rapeseed. The 11.5% rapeseed diets varied in Gls and EA levels: 1) Deyou no. 6 (DY6) with Gls at 22.67 μmol/g and EA at 0.7%, 2) Mianbangyou no. 1 (MB1) with Gls at 43.23 μmol/g and EA at 3.5%, 3) Deyou no. 5 (DY5) with Gls at 74.66 μmol/g and EA at 16.20%, 4) Xiheyou no. 3 (XH3) with Gls at 132.83 μmol/g and EA at 44.60%. Each group had eight replicates and each replicate had 15 hens. The trial lasted for 12 wk with 4 wk withdrawal. From 1 to 8 wk of the trial, 11.5% rapeseed reduced average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared to the control group (P = 0.002), and egg-laying rate of XH3 rapeseed was lower than that of DY6 rapeseed (P = 0.006), and egg weight of MB1, DY5, and XH3 rapeseed were lower than that of the control group (P < 0.01). Egg mass was reduced by 11.5% rapeseed (P = 0.004) and egg mass of XH3 and DY5 rapeseed were lower than that of DY6 rapeseed (P < 0.01). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 11.5% rapeseed was higher than that the control group and FCR is higher in XH3 rapeseed than in DY6 rapeseed from 1 to 8 wk (P < 0.01). At wk 8, the lightness value of eggshell color of XH3 rapeseed was significantly lower than that of the control and DY5 rapeseed (P = 0.012). Xiheyou no. 3 rapeseed had a higher redness value of eggshell color than the control and MB1 and DY5 rapeseed (P = 0.008). Albumen height of DY5 rapeseed was lower than that of the control group at wk 8 (P = 0.012). Mianbangyou no. 1 and DY5 rapeseed decreased Haugh unit at wk 4 and 8, respectively (P = 0.011, P = 0.024). Serum E2 content was decreased by 11.5% rapeseed (P = 0.003). Thyroid index increased as the Gls and EA content increased (P = 0.008). The smallest hierarchical follicle numbers of XH3 and MB1 rapeseed were lower than that of the control group (P = 0.009). After 4 wk withdrawal, the egg weight, egg mass, and FCR did not recover (P = 0.011, P = 0.033, P = 0.024, respectively). In conclusion, 11.5% rapeseed decreased egg production performance which might be caused by decreasing hormone levels, and high Gls and EA rapeseed had a lower performance than low Gls and EA rapeseed.

Effects of maternal preconception high-fat diet on the fertility of dams and on the somatic parameters and reflex ontogeny of their male offspring.

Female consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) may cause fertility issues and affects offspring development. Evaluate the acute maternal preconception intake of a HFD on the fertility and reproduction parameters of breeding females; and on the somatic parameters and reflex ontogeny of male offspring. Twenty-four rats were randomized into control (PC; n=12) and high-fat diet group (PHF; n=12) that consumed their respective diets during the 23-day preconception period. After that, 6 rats per group underwent oral glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests and were euthanized. The remaining rats were mated, during gestation and lactation, both groups ate a control diet. After birth, the male offspring's somatic parameters and reflexes were assessed. The preconception diet caused dyslipidemia in the PHF. The PHF uterus exhibited a higher SFA (50.74 ± 0.32%), a lower PUFA concentration (35.59 ± 0.33%), and an increase in arachidonic acid (2.48 ± 0.03%). PHF rats had hypertrophy in the endometrium, and ovaries with a higher quantity of corpora albicans and immature primordial follicles. The offspring of PHF rats had greater weight (6.70 ± 0.82 g), nasal-anal length (4.93± 0.27 cm), and tail length (1.74 ± 0.12 cm) on the first day of life, and had improved righting reflex, but delayed negative geotaxis reflex. An acute maternal preconception HFD induced a pro-inflammatory fatty acid profile and changed structure in uterus, altered ovarian follicle profile. Also, potential interference in the size of the pups at birth and in brain development of male offspring.

Screening Dietary Fat Sources and Concentrations Included in Low- and High-Forage Diets Using an In Vitro Gas Production System

Including dietary fat can increase the energy density of diets fed to ruminants, reducing dry matter intake (DMI). Effects of different fat sources on nutrient digestion and fermentation can vary depending on dietary fat concentration and the forage-to-concentrate ratio (F:C). Therefore, this study’s objective was to screen the effects of fat sources supplemented at different concentrations to high- and low-forage diets on in vitro digestibility and fermentation. Treatments included either low forage (LF; 35%) or high forage (HF; 70%) with two fat levels (6 or 9% DM) using six different fat sources, plus control. The control diet (CON) had a basal level of fat in the diet (3% fat; 0% fat inclusion), and fat sources were added to attain 6% or 9% dietary fat and consisted of the following: Coconut oil, CO; Poultry fat, PF; Palm oil, PO; Palm kernel oil, PKO; Soybean oil, SOY; and Ca Salts, MEG. In vitro Gas Production (GP) modules were randomly assigned to treatments in a 2 × 2 × 7 factorial design and were incubated for four 24 h runs. The CO-fed module had the highest dry matter (DM) apparent digestibility (AD) (p &lt; 0.01), followed by SOY and PF. The true DM digestibility (TDMD) and organic matter (OM) AD were the highest in CO (p &lt; 0.01) than the other fat types. The AD for DM, OM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was higher in LF (p &lt; 0.01). The 6% fat inclusion had a higher GP (109 vs. 103 mL ± 2.09; p &lt; 0.03). Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration was lower in different fat types than the CON and the acetate molar proportion (p &gt; 0.01). The propionate was the lowest for the CON, which increased the acetate to propionate (A:P) ratio (p &lt; 0.01). These results suggest that LF diets with high fat concentrations can be utilized, and different fat sources may improve DM and fiber digestibility.

Obesity Medicine Provider-Directed Health Coaching in a Commercial Weight Loss Program: Proof of Concept

BackgroundObesity remains a leading serious chronic disease and cause of death in the U.S. Despite previous research in diets (i.e., caloric restriction), physical activity levels, and biochemical markers, no studies to date have investigated the combination of an obesity medicine physician with a health coach alongside a commercial program for reducing body weight. As a result, this pilot study aims to assess the relationship between a commercial diet program and health and wellness coaching (HWC) for weight reduction outcomes when delivered in conjunction with an obesity medicine physician chronic disease care model, as a proof-of-concept study. MethodsThis 24-week proof-of-concept study was pragmatic, being an unblinded, unrandomized, uncontrolled, longitudinal, observational study. Its purpose was to assess participant weight reduction from a commercial weight reduction program using a pre-packaged portion-controlled reduced-calorie diet while meeting with a health coach and obesity medicine physician for counseling and support. Participants in the sample underwent a commercial weight reduction program through dietary control while meeting with an HWC. A repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to determine the weight reduction trends across a 24-week program. ResultsThis study included n=53 participants; a majority were white females (n=45; 85%), with an average (SD) age of 50.3 (12.2) years. There was a significant improvement in weight reduction (21.8±9.4 lbs. WL) seen throughout the 24-week program (F (7, 364) = 33.129, p<.001), with a large effect (η2 = 0.922). ConclusionThis proof-of-concept project found that Obesity Medicine Physician-directed, portion-controlled meals and HWC can improve weight reduction across a 24-week program using portioned-controlled meals. Confirmation of these findings and their clinical significance requires a follow-up randomized, controlled clinical trial using validated assessment tools.

Dual PPAR-a/g enhances beta cell identity, preserving islet structure in HF-fed mice.

The pancreas suffers from lipotoxicity, which threatens the survival of pancreatic islets. Dual PPAR-alpha(a)/gamma(g) agonism is a promising method for treating type 2 diabetes. This study evaluated the effects of single PPAR-a and PPAR-g or their combined activation on pancreatic islet remodeling, beta-cell proliferation, identity, and maintenance in an experimental obesity model. Fifty three-month-old mice, randomly divided to receive the control (C) or high-fat (HF) diet for ten weeks, were then redivided for a four-week treatment: C, HF, HF-a (received the PPAR-a agonist), HF-g (PPAR-g agonist pioglitazone), and HF-d (PPAR-a/g agonists). The HF group was overweight, had oral glucose intolerance, showed a proinflammatory adipokine profile, exhibited increased alpha and beta cell masses, and islet gene expression compatible with compromised beta cell proliferation and favored dedifferentiation. All treatments reduced body weight, mitigated oral glucose intolerance, and produced an anti-inflammatory adipokine profile, which rescued islet cytoarchitecture, and beta cell function. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a shift in the antiapoptotic gene Bcl2 and beta cell proliferation genes (Pax4 and Neurog3) in HF-a. Conversely, HF-g and HF-d benefited from the upregulation of genes related to beta cell function (Fgf21, Glut2, and Glp1r), identity, and maintenance (Pdx1, Neurod1, Mafa, and Nkx6.1). The HF mice were glucose intolerant, showing islet hypertrophy and low beta cell identity-related genes. In contrast, PPAR activation rescued islet structure, and PCA showed that the PPAR-a/g combination was the most effective treatment because it favored beta cell function, identity, and maintenance-related genes, halting the T2DM spectrum in diet-induced obese mice.

Aging reveals a sex-dependent susceptibility of sarcospan-deficient mice to cardiometabolic disease.

Numerous genes including sarcospan (SSPN) have been designated as obesity-susceptibility genes by human genome-wide association studies. Variants in the SSPN locus have been linked with sex-dependent obesity-associated traits; however, this association has not been investigated in vivo. To delineate the role SSPN plays in regulating metabolism with potential to impact cardiac function, we subjected young and aged global SSPN-deficient (SSPN-/-) male and female mice to obesogenic conditions (60% fat diet). We hypothesized that loss of SSPN combined with metabolic stress would increase susceptibility of mice to cardiometabolic disease. Baseline and end-point assessments of several anthropometric parameters were performed including weight, glucose tolerance, and fat distribution of mice fed control (CD) and high-fat (HFD) diet. Doppler echocardiography was used to monitor cardiac function. White adipose and cardiac tissues were assessed for inflammation by histological, gene expression, and cytokine analysis. Overall, SSPN deficiency protected both sexes and ages from diet-induced obesity, with a greater effect in females. SSPN-/- HFD mice gained less weight than wild-type (WT) cohorts, while SSPN-/- CD groups increased weight. Furthermore, aged SSPN-/- mice developed glucose intolerance regardless of diet. Echocardiography showed preserved systolic function for all groups; however, aged SSPN-/- males exhibited significant increases in left ventricular mass (CD) and signs of diastolic dysfunction (HFD). Cytokine analysis revealed significantly increased IL-1α and IL-17Α in white adipose tissue from young SSPN-/- male mice, which may be protective from diet-induced obesity. Overall, these studies suggest that several sex-dependent mechanisms influence the role SSPN plays in metabolic responses that become evident with age.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Young and aged sarcospan (SSPN)-deficient mice were examined to assess the role of SSPN in obesity and cardiometabolic disease. Both sexes displayed a "leaner" phenotype in response to high-fat diet (HFD). Notably, several sex differences were identified in aged SSPN-deficient mice: 1) females developed glucose intolerance (control and HFD) and 2) males exhibited increased left ventricular mass (control) and diastolic dysfunction (HFD). Therefore, we conclude that SSPN exerts a sex-dependent influence on obesity-associated diseases.

Branched-chain amino acids alleviate NAFLD via inhibiting de novo lipogenesis and activating fatty acid β-oxidation in laying hens

The adverse metabolic impacts of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) have been elucidated are mediated by isoleucine and valine. Dietary restriction of isoleucine promotes metabolic health and increases lifespan. However, a high protein diet enriched in BCAA is presently the most useful therapeutic strategy for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), yet, its underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS), a specialized laying hen NAFLD model, can spontaneously develop fatty liver and hepatic steatosis under a high-energy and high-protein dietary background that the pathogenesis of FLHS is similar to human NAFLD. The mechanism underlying dietary BCAA control of NAFLD development in laying hens remains unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that dietary supplementation with 67% High BCAA has unique mitigative impacts on NAFLD in laying hens. A High BCAA diet alleviates NAFLD, by inhibiting the tryptophan-ILA-AHR axis and MAPK9-mediated de novo lipogenesis (DNL), promoting ketogenesis and energy metabolism, and activating PPAR-RXR and pexophagy to promote fatty acid β-oxidation. Furthermore, we uncover that High BCAA strongly activates ubiquitin-proteasome autophagy via downregulating UFMylation to trigger MAPK9-mediated DNL, fatty acid elongation and lipid droplet formation-related proteins ubiquitination degradation, activating PPAR-RXR and pexophagy mediated fatty acid β-oxidation and lipolysis. Together, our data highlight moderating intake of high BCAA by inhibiting the AHR/MAPK9 are promising new strategies in NAFLD and FLHS treatment.